Salik launches landmark immigration policy to protect Overseas Pakistanis

ISLAMABAD, Jul 23 (APP):Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain on Thursday unveiled the National Immigration and Welfare Policy 2026, a landmark initiative aimed at transforming Pakistan’s labour migration system through safer migration pathways, stronger worker protections, advanced skills development and enhanced support for more than 12 million overseas Pakistanis, whose record remittances of over $41 billion last year played a pivotal role in strengthening the national economy.

Addressing the launch ceremony, Chaudhry Salik Hussain described the policy as a historic milestone in Pakistan’s migration governance framework and a reflection of the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights, welfare and aspirations of every Pakistani seeking opportunities abroad.

He said the policy is designed to place overseas Pakistanis at the centre of national development by ensuring safe and orderly migration, expanding access to globally relevant skills, protecting workers from exploitation, strengthening engagement with the diaspora and facilitating the dignified reintegration of returning migrants.

The minister noted that rapid technological advances, demographic shifts and evolving global labour market demands were reshaping economies across the world.

In this increasingly competitive environment, he said, Pakistan must proactively prepare its workforce to seize emerging opportunities and position itself as a leading supplier of skilled human capital.

Chaudhry Salik Hussain said the National Immigration and Welfare Policy 2026 would serve as a strategic roadmap for equipping Pakistani workers with the skills, knowledge and protections needed to thrive in international markets while contributing to national prosperity.

Paying tribute to overseas Pakistanis, he said more than 12 million Pakistanis living across the globe had become the country’s most effective ambassadors through their professionalism, dedication and hard work.

Their record remittances exceeding $41 billion during the last fiscal year, he added, demonstrated their unparalleled contribution to Pakistan’s economic stability and growth.

“The success of overseas Pakistanis is the success of Pakistan. Their welfare, dignity and protection remain our foremost national responsibility,” the minister said.

He emphasized that the policy integrates the efforts of government institutions, training providers, employers, development partners and the private sector under a unified national vision to ensure that every migrant worker receives support at every stage of the migration cycle.

Chaudhry Salik Hussain stressed that the state’s responsibility begins long before departure by providing workers with market driven skills, authentic information, ethical recruitment mechanisms and adequate preparation for overseas employment.

He said the policy’s successful implementation would require strong cooperation among federal and provincial governments, regulatory bodies, employers, development organizations and overseas Pakistani communities.

The minister expressed gratitude to provincial governments, development partners including ICMPD and all stakeholders for their valuable contributions to the consultative process.

He also commended the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) for its steadfast support and key role in shaping and finalizing the policy.

Concluding his address, Chaudhry Salik Hussain said migration must never be associated with uncertainty or vulnerability. Instead, it should represent a pathway to opportunity, dignity and national progress.

He called for collective efforts to build a future where every Pakistani pursuing opportunities abroad travels with confidence, works with pride and remains permanently connected to a nation that recognizes and values their contributions.